June 16, 2005

Our American Hero

Now here's a story of a TRUE red, white and blue American hero:

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2005 – For the first time since World War II, a woman soldier was awarded the Silver Star Medal today in Iraq.

Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester of the 617th Military Police Company, a National Guard unit out of Richmond, Ky., received the Silver Star, along with two other members of her unit, Staff Sgt. Timothy Nein and Spc. Jason Mike, for their actions during an enemy ambush on their convoy. Other members of the unit also received awards.

Hester's squad was shadowing a supply convoy March 20 when anti-Iraqi fighters ambushed the convoy. The squad moved to the side of the road, flanking the insurgents and cutting off their escape route. Hester led her team through the "kill zone" and into a flanking position, where she assaulted a trench line with grenades and M203 grenade-launcher rounds. She and Nein, her squad leader, then cleared two trenches, at which time she killed three insurgents with her rifle.

When the fight was over, 27 insurgents were dead, six were wounded, and one was captured.

Just reading this story, you can get a sense of the person behind the uniform.  Sgt. Hester says it best:

"Your training kicks in and the soldier kicks in," she said. "It's your life or theirs. ... You've got a job to do -- protecting yourself and your fellow comrades."

People like Sgt. Hester - brave, heroic, yet humble - have put their lives on the line to build America and have protected America from evil that has lurked throughout history.  I am so greatful to have people like Sgt. Hester protecting me.

Army Lt. Gen. John R. Vines sums it up nicely:

My heroes don't play in the (National Basketball Association) and don't play in the U.S. Open (golf tournament) at Pinehurst," Vines said. "They're standing in front of me today. These are American heroes."

I'll second that!

Update:  Mr. Kurtz's Neighborhood has a great post that also has some history - a woman who won the Silver Star in WW II - Lt. Mary Louise Roberts.  A great story!

punta del capello: CitzCom